Toxicodendron
Guides
Aculops rhois
Poison Ivy Gall Mite, Poison Ivy Leaf Mite
Aculops rhois is an eriophyid mite species found in North America that induces distinctive galls on poison ivy and related plants. The species forms small red pouch galls on the upper leaf surfaces of its hosts, which include Toxicodendron species and some Rhus species such as fragrant sumac. The bright coloration of these galls makes the mite more conspicuous than many related Aculops species, contributing to its relatively frequent reporting despite limited formal study.
Arge humeralis
Poison Ivy Sawfly
Arge humeralis, commonly known as the poison ivy sawfly, is a species of argid sawfly in the family Argidae. The species is notable for its specialized larval feeding relationship with poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), making it one of the few insects that can consume this plant. The species has been documented in North America, with distribution records from Canada and the United States.
Aulacothorax melina
poison ivy leaf beetle
Aulacothorax melina is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the poison ivy leaf beetle. The species was formerly placed in the genus Orthaltica but has been reclassified to Aulacothorax. It is native to North America and is associated with poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) as a host plant. The beetle is one of relatively few insects that can feed on poison ivy, which contains urushiol, a compound that causes allergic reactions in most humans and deters many herbivores.
Cameraria guttifinitella
Poison Ivy Leaf-miner Moth
A small North American leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, with a wingspan of approximately 7 mm. Larvae are specialized feeders on poison ivy and poison oak (Toxicodendron species), creating characteristic mines within leaves. Females exhibit low leaf selectivity prior to oviposition, accepting 78% of available leaves but actually ovipositing on only 2%. The species maintains low population densities compared to congener Cameraria ohridella, attributed to more effective top-down control by parasitoids.